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Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

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The Great Race
Folktale Mythology Sinitic TraditionMarch 1, 2018February 28, 2020

The Great Race

A race that determined the 12 signs of the zodiac and forever pitted cats against mice.

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Red Cloak
Austronesian History Legend SiniticDecember 7, 2017February 28, 2020

Red Cloak

As newcomers settled in Taiwan, they faced the terror of the island’s notorious headhunters.

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In the Shadows
Austronesian Mythology Sinitic TraditionNovember 2, 2017October 7, 2020

In the Shadows

Fairies, genies and demons—Eurasian hinterlands are home to mythical beings, like Taiwan’s “mô-sîn-á.”

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The Ghost and the Fisherman
Folktale SiniticOctober 19, 2017February 28, 2020

The Ghost and the Fisherman

Ghost stories are not always scary. This is one characterized by joy, friendship and kindness.

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Under the Hala Tree II
Folktale SiniticOctober 5, 2017February 28, 2020

Under the Hala Tree (II)

Part II of the tragic, bloody tale of the Lady of the Hala Trees.

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Under the Hala Tree I
Folktale SiniticSeptember 21, 2017February 28, 2020

Under the Hala Tree (I)

Beneath the Hala Tree, a tragic maiden’s spirit lingers. This is her tale.

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Ghost Month
Sinitic TraditionSeptember 7, 2017February 28, 2020

Ghost Month

The seventh lunar month is widely known in Taiwan as Guǐyuè, literally “Ghost Month.”

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May Snow
History Sinitic TraditionAugust 10, 2017January 10, 2021

May Snow

Under Tung blossoms, a new folk festival spearheads Taiwan’s modern Hakka cultural revival!

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Martyrs
Folktale History Legend SiniticJuly 27, 2017February 28, 2020

Martyrs

Memories of martyrs help a struggling people find their identity in a brave new world.

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Trail of Tears
History Legend SiniticJuly 13, 2017February 28, 2020

Trail of Tears

This “hill song” records memories of the first Hakkas arriving in Taiwan in the 1600s.

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Seventh Eve
Folktale Mythology Sinitic TraditionJune 15, 2017August 21, 2020

Seventh Eve

A love story—once each year, two stars cross the “Silver River” for a long-awaited reunion.

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Dragon Boats
History Legend Sinitic TraditionJune 1, 2017June 25, 2020

Dragon Boats

The history and activities of the popular festival that marks the coming of summer in Taiwan!

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